Anfaal launching MPAJ Women’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029 at the Selangor state-level Women’s Day celebration.
A silat demonstration by schoolgirls, complimentary red roses for all the women in attendance and a surprise appearance by Malaysian singer Siti Nordiana Alias were the highlights of a community event organised by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
Held at the public park in Jalan Pandan Utama, the event was organised in conjunction with the state-level Women’s Day celebration and featured the joint efforts of MPAJ, the state Women and Family Empowerment Committee and Wanita Berdaya Selangor.
Kicking off with a morning walk with some 1,000 participants, MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad and Selangor women, family empowerment, welfare and care economy committee chairman Anfaal Saari led a large group of participants along a 3km stretch that had been sealed off from traffic for the occasion.
Among the participants were line dancing buddies Nesamalar Edward Dawson, 54, a mother of five, and Karen Low, 65, a mother of one.
“As women are the pillars of their family, they must remember to take care of their health. Daily exercise is a must.
“Events like these are a wholesome way for us to enjoy ourselves and improve our mental health,” said Nesamalar.
“Exercise, in addition to keeping our knees strong as we age, also helps us keep in shape so we can wear our cheongsams and other attire,” quipped Low.
(From sixth, left) Ani, Anfaal and Aiman with some of the women at the MPAJ community event at a public park in Jalan Pandan Utama, Ampang Jaya. — Photos: WILLIAM GARY/The Star
A Zumba session was held in tandem with the walk.
Even the council’s public address team, which was operating the sound system from a truck, was seen having a good time moving to the music.
One of them, Mohd Zakwan Arif Mohd Zuhana, 33, a father of one who grew up with four sisters, said it was important that the womenfolk came out to enjoy themselves, not only on Women’s Day.
“They should do it daily. Even if it’s a trip to the market, where they can meet up with friends to chit-chat, it helps them relax and prevents depression,” he said.
In addition to a petting zoo, food trucks, futsal matches and a colouring contest, there was also a motivational forum featuring Antarctic explorer Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail.
Also present at the event was Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, who gave a fiery speech to encourage women to join the workforce and play their part in moving the nation forward.
“We are not just looking for women to take up ordinary everyday positions in the current job market.
“We want more women in leadership and decision-making positions.
Visitors playing traditional games at the event.
“Only then will we see a change where gender disparity is concerned in the workforce,” said Aiman.
At the event, Aiman also launched the MPAJ Women’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029.
“The plan is aimed at improving the welfare, development and dignity of women under the MPAJ administration over the next five years.
“It will also draw attention to the needs of victims of domestic violence, natural disasters and the underprivileged so that they can be better protected,” she said.
The Women’s Day celebration was also held on National Landscape Day, and a contest was held for residents’ associations of terrace houses, schools and mosques.
The prize money given away was RM25,400, which was derived from the council’s plastic bag charge fund.
